Code Blue seeks new home

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Come winter, Code Blue gives those in need a place to seek cover in the winter, but right now, the emergency shelter itself is looking for a place to stay.

Code Blue volunteers have begun the search for a new, more permanent location for the shelter. Volunteers have created a “Site Selection Committee for Code Blue,” chaired by Ron Deustch, president of the Giving Circle, a local non-profit that helps those in need.

Code Blue began in Saratoga after the death of Nancy Pitts, a local woman who died from exposure to severe cold in December 2013, through efforts from Mayor Joanne Yepsen, other community leaders and volunteers. St. Peters Parish volunteered its parish as a shelter when the need was first established, but the shelter often ran at capacity, creating a new need — a larger, more permanent space. The emergency shelter program gives people a place to seek shelter overnight from chilling temperatures and snow.

“St. Peters was very generous, but we always knew it would be a temporary location. We certainly need a more permanent place,” Deustch said.

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Deustch said ideally, Code Blue could find a space that can accommodate 25-plus guests per night with a kitchen, shower facilities and if possible, a room for congregation and dining.

Deustch said the shelter volunteers saw an increasing number of families needing a place to stay, a need they feel is crucial to address. Saratoga Springs School District has between 160 and 180 homeless students per year, according to the district.

“Saratoga Springs School District has a high number of homeless students, this is a serious problem [that] we need to address,” he said.

The volunteer group has begun their focus in the summer, with the hope of securing a permanent spot by the time winter arrives.

“We are hoping maybe someone will hear about our need and maybe know of the perfect property for us,” he said.

The Bethesda Episcopal Church on Washington Street recently announced they would be selling some property near their sanctuary to create space that would benefit the entire community. One option that has been discussed among the board is allowing space for Code Blue.

“Our time table for these renovations is at least three years, Code Blue is not something we could accomplish right away but it is certainly under consideration for the future,” said Gordon Boyd, a member of the vestry — the church’s governing board.

A recent mailing was sent out a mailing to local leaders and organizations asking for expressions of interest for the space. The parish also met with 35 local organizations to help further identify needs within the city and collect ideas.

A Code Blue night is called when temperatures are expected to be below 10 degrees or more than a foot of snowfall is expected. For those who may have a place in mind or available space for Code Blue’s permanent home, the committee asks comments to be directed to Ron Deustch at mkd67@aol.com.